How Do I Find a Therapist?
I think I need therapy and I donât know how to get it. Iâm 15, so I would have to tell my mom, and I donât even know how she would react anymore. Sheâs been very worried about me lately, but she doesnât know any of the specifics Iâve gone through. Iâm transferring to boarding school in two months, and Iâm scared she wonât let me go. All my friends that know tell me I should get therapy, and I do want to, I just have no idea how. I hate making my friends be my therapists because Iâm so scared of triggering them as well and they shouldnât feel like my mental health is their responsibility. The reasons I would want to go to therapy is that I have very strong self hate and low self confidence, I think I have some kind of eating disorder, I cut, and I think Iâve been getting panic attacks lately. I mostly just want to talk. Do you have any advice as to what I could do?
TeenHealthFX would like to begin by stating that we are sorry to hear of your current situation, and remind you that resources are available for you.
You stated that you are unsure if you are willing to speak with your mother about your current emotional state. However, TeenHealthFX encourages you to communicate with a trusted adult as soon as possible. If you are hesitant to speak with your mother, you can talk with your school guidance counselor, nurse, teacher or coach. You trusted adult of coach can support you to identify professional mental health resources.
Being that you have expressed eating disorder symptoms and reports of self-harm, TeenHealthFX feels that it is essential you schedule an appointment with a mental health professional.
- If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888-247-1400. . You can also enter your zip code in Psychology Today’s therapist search. Lastly, you can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.
- National Eating Disorders Association: 1-800-931-2237 from 9:00-5:00PM on weekdays, EST.
- 1-800-273-TALK: 24-hours crisis hotline for teenagers who about to self-harm or are in an emergency.
TeenHeathFX recommends the following resources for additional information:
